The postgraduate teaching apprenticeship is an Initial Teacher Training (ITT) route that:

  • combines paid work with off-the-job training
  • leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

The Teacher Apprenticeship is intended for graduates already employed in schools who wish to achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) whilst continuing in their current role.

If you are not currently working in a school and are interested in training to become a teacher, please visit our Initial Teacher Training page instead.

A postgraduate apprenticeship is a work-based training route that combines paid employment with postgraduate-level study, resulting in Qualified Teacher Status. It offers an alternative to traditional university routes, enabling individuals to earn a salary whilst gaining hands-on experience and studying towards an advanced qualification.

Key features of postgraduate apprenticeships:

Work-based learning:
Apprentices learn through practical experience in the workplace, alongside structured study and training.

Postgraduate qualification:
This programme leads to a Level 6 postgraduate award.

No tuition fees:
Apprenticeship training is funded by the employer and/or the government, meaning apprentices do not pay tuition fees.

Paid employment:
Apprentices are employed throughout the programme and receive a salary, allowing them to earn whilst they learn.

Practical experience:
Apprentices develop valuable, real-world skills and experience within their chosen profession.

On successful completion of this programme, you will be awarded Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a Level 6 Qualification, enabling you to teach in all schools across England.

Key benefits:

  • Classroom-based from day one
    Begin your teacher training in a real school environment from the very start.

  • Achieve Qualified Teacher Status in just 1 year
    Complete your training and become a fully qualified teacher within 1 year.

  • Earn whilst you learn
    Receive an annual salary of between £21,000 and £27,000 (unqualified teacher salary) during your training.

  • No tuition fees
    All training costs are fully funded through the Apprenticeship Levy.

  • Delivered via The Leicester and Leicestershire School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT)
    A school-led approach offering practical, hands-on training. [Learn more]

  • Competitive starting salary after qualification
    Once qualified, begin your teaching career with a starting salary of £31,650 and join the teachers’ pension scheme.

Start your teacher training in August 2025
Apprentice teachers can begin their training on August 21st 2025, completing the programme in July 2026 while continuing to work in their current school.

Throughout the year, 20% of their time will be allocated to off-the-job training, delivered by Leicester and Leicestershire SCITT, to support their development and meet apprenticeship requirements.

On successful completion, they will be awarded the Level 6 Teaching Apprenticeship.

Before your training officially begins, you’ll take part in an initial learning and Initial Teacher Training (ITT) induction day to help you prepare for the programme and set you up for success.

This term, you’ll be based in your host school – training in the classroom four days a week, with one day dedicated to training, in person.

You’ll complete a six-week placement in a contrasting school, organised by our dedicated placement co-ordinators. This experience will broaden your teaching practice and expose you to different school settings.

You’ll return to your host school to prepare for your Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) recommendation, consolidating your training and demonstrating your progress in the classroom.

Accreditation

The Postgraduate Degree apprenticeship is in partnership with Leicester and Leicestershire SCITT. The Leicester and Leicestershire SCITT have been graded an Outstanding ITT provider by Ofsted (2023).

Leicestershire Secondary SCITT Teacher Training

Key facts

Course title Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship with QTS
Award Qualified Teacher Status
Duration 1 year
Entry requirements Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, minimum of GCSEs in English and Mathematics at a grade C/4 or above (and science for Primary)
Fees £9,000 Fully funded by the apprenticeship levy

Please see below links to government guidance:

For course enquires please contact our apprenticeship team: [email protected]

Some courses have limited places and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications may take a minimum of six weeks to process. Please take school holiday closures into account and submit your application in good time to avoid disappointment.